Are you confused about choosing the right crypto exchange? Well, with a thousand platforms worldwide and hundreds of different YouTube tutorials, it is tough to know where to start. And that’s why I went out researching what the top YouTube influencers are saying about the best crypto exchanges to trade on in 2025—because I want to stay current.
And what I did is I created a custom AI knowledge base of all of these different videos.
Those from
Coin Bureau,
MoneyZG,
VirtualBacon,
99Bitcoins,
Matt’s Crypto,
Tom Spark’s Reviews,
Crypto Banter,
Charlee Wayne,
The Blockchain Today,
Cypto Freedom,
Crypto Gems,
OCryptoCanada,
Crypto for Canadians,
and a whole bunch more here in this knowledge base.
So if you’ve been wondering where’s the cheapest place to trade or if you’re concerned about security and which exchanges you can actually trust, I used this AI knowledge base.
It’s more than 20 different tutorials that together have generated 1.5 million views.
And I asked the AI to create an overall guide that’s good for beginners but not platform specific.
What Really Matters When Picking a Crypto Exchange
I wanted it to give the most important components that one should look for when selecting a trading exchange and then create a list of the most common priorities. And then create a second list of little-known tips and unique perspectives that will help ensure long-term success.
The result of that query turned out to be this beginner’s guide to choosing a cryptocurrency exchange. It’s really objective, great stuff. I turned it into a PDF, and I’ve included it as a free link so that you can grab this PDF and you’ll see exactly—insider view.
I spilled the beans of what all the top YouTubers are saying.
After all that research, I felt ready to put in a long and detailed prompt to have the AI create a two-way podcast interview that explains all of the top information from these top YouTubers. I’ve got the podcast cued up here for us. It comes in four main sections, and for me, the third and fourth sections were the very most important.
And before we jump in, I’d like to get your feedback on these AI avatars that I’ve set up so far. Do you think they need to be improved, or are they okay the way they are?
Before You Trade, Know This First!
So you’re thinking about jumping into crypto trading—exciting stuff. It really is. But uh, then you hit that wall, right? So many exchanges. Exactly. All promising the world. It could feel, well, overwhelming trying to figure out which one is actually right for you.
For sure. Think of this deep dive as like your personal guide through that maze. We’re not here to pick one for you. No, definitely not. But we are going to break down the six, you know, crucial things you need to consider.
Security First: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
The goal is to help you make that first step with a bit more confidence. That’s the key—confidence. We’ve looked at a ton of analyses, beginner guides, all sorts of stuff, right? And our mission here is really just to give you a clear framework—no confusing jargon, just the core elements you need to evaluate for yourself.
Okay, let’s dive right into what I think everyone agrees is the absolute top priority—security. Yeah, number one has to be. You’re dealing with your digital assets here, so knowing they’re protected is, well, it’s paramount. It’s the foundation.
Totally. And when you look at the better exchanges, it’s fascinating how layered their security approach often is. You want to look for things like cold storage.
Cold storage meaning basically keeping the vast majority of the crypto offline, away from online threats. You know, hackers. Right—offline makes sense. Then there’s things like two-factor authentication, 2FA, or even better, some are moving to passkey authentication.
Ah okay, another layer. Exactly. Just makes it much harder for someone else to get into your account.
Trust but Verify: The Rise of Proof of Reserves
And I guess like an exchange’s history matters too. Has it been hacked before? That’s a huge one. Yeah, a history of major security breaches—or hopefully a lack thereof—is, well, it’s very telling.
And then there’s this concept. It’s become really important lately: proof of reserves.
Proof of reserves. Okay, tell me more. Why does that matter for a beginner?
Think of it as the exchange showing their homework. They use these cryptographic methods to prove—verifiably prove—that they actually hold the assets they claim to hold for their users.
So it’s not just them saying, “Trust us, we have it.” Exactly. It’s about transparency—building trust. Some are even going further now with proof of liabilities.
Liabilities? So what they owe? Yeah, basically showing both sides—what they hold and what they owe to users. Gives a more complete picture.
No Exchange is 100% Safe—Here’s Why That Matters
That sounds pretty crucial. Now even with all these checks like cold storage, can we ever say an exchange is like 100% safe?
That’s a really important question, and the honest answer is probably no. The online world—it always carries some risk, right? Which is why, you know, for serious long-term holding, many people say, “Not your keys, not your coins.” They advocate for self-custody, using your own wallet.
But for trading, which is what we’re focused on here, choosing an exchange with really robust security is key. Absolutely essential.
And you know, something else to consider is whether the exchange is publicly traded. Ah, like Coinbase. Exactly. Public companies generally face more regulatory scrutiny, which can add, let’s say, another layer of indirect security oversight.
Makes sense. And it’s worth pointing out some exchanges just have a really strong track record here. Like Kraken, for example. They focused on security for a long time. They were actually the first to do a proof of reserves audit way back in 2014.
Wow, 2014—that’s early. Yeah, and they still do them regularly. Bitget is another one often mentioned as being very safe, and they also have proof of reserves.
Fees: The Hidden Cost That Could Drain Your Profits
Okay, and on the flip side, well, you might see some exchanges advertising like very light KYC—Know Your Customer—requirements. Easier signup, potentially. But that can sometimes correlate with, let’s say, different approaches to security and compliance down the line. Just something to be aware of.
Okay, security first—got it. Nailed that down. Next up, something that hits your wallet directly. Ah yes, fees. Those little percentages—they can really add up, can’t they?
Especially if you’re planning on trading fairly often. You’re spot on. Fees are critical, and it’s important to understand the different types you might encounter. The main ones are trading fees, right? And these are often based on what’s called a maker-taker model.
Maker vs Taker: A Fee Breakdown That Could Save You Money
Maker-taker? Sounds a bit technical. Can you break that down simply?
Sure. So imagine the order book, where people list prices they want to buy or sell at. If you place an order and it gets filled immediately—like you hit buy at the current market price—you’re taking liquidity off the book.
Okay, taker. Right. And takers usually pay a slightly higher fee. Now, if you place an order that doesn’t fill right away—say, you set a limit order below the current price—you’re making liquidity by adding your order to the book.
Waiting for someone else to fill it. Exactly. You’re a maker. And makers often pay lower fees—sometimes even zero—or they might get a small rebate.
Interesting. So being patient could actually save you money on fees. Sometimes it definitely can.
Tiered Fee Structures and Hidden Costs
And these fees—they’re not usually the same for everyone, are they?
No, not at all. Most exchanges use these tiered fee schedules. It’s usually based on your trading volume over, say, the last 30 days.
Right. So as a beginner, you’re probably going to be in the lowest volume tier, which usually means the highest percentage fees.
Unfortunately, yeah. And then there are other fees too, right? Like getting money in and out. Absolutely. Deposit and withdrawal fees—and that applies to both crypto and fiat, you know, regular money.
Important to check those. Definitely. Some exchanges offer free methods—maybe like bank transfers—while card payments might cost more. So yeah, look into that.
Quick Buy Buttons Are Costing You More Than You Think
What about those like simple or quick buy buttons you sometimes see—are they a good deal?
That’s a great question. Often those super convenient interfaces, they might hide costs in what’s called the spread.
The spread? The difference between buying and selling price. Exactly. On those quick buy options, the exchange often makes that spread a bit wider than it is on their main trading platform.
So they’re effectively building a fee into the price difference. Ah, so it looks simple but might cost more.
It often does. Convenience sometimes comes at a price.
So maybe not the best if you’re really trying to watch your costs. Good tip.
Native Tokens and Referral Codes: Fee Hacks Most Miss
Anything else on fees we should watch out for?
Well, some exchanges have their own native tokens, right?
Yeah, like BNB for Binance, for instance.
Right. And they might offer you a discount on trading fees if you pay using their token.
Sounds good.
It can save you money, but just remember the value of those tokens can go up and down too. So it adds another layer of, um, volatility to think about.
Okay, and here’s something really practical for everyone listening—referral programs.
Ah yes, many exchanges offer them. And often if you sign up using specific referral links—like you know, the deal code links we sometimes share—you can get a really decent discount on your trading fees.
Yeah, we often see deals for like up to 20% off fees, which can make a real difference.
Totally. It’s definitely worth looking for those links—maybe in show notes or on websites.
Check ours out.
Absolutely. It adds up.
The Shocking Range in Fee Differences Between Platforms
And just to give people a sense of the range—fee differences can be quite stark, right?
Oh huge, yeah. You might see some exchanges like Bitget, for example, offering maybe 0.1% maker-taker fees in their base tier.
Pretty low.
Yeah, but others can be significantly higher. There were reports comparing some Canadian exchanges where the difference was massive—like 4% versus nearly 5%.
Wow, that’s a lot.
It is. Even seemingly small differences like 0.1% versus 0.5% really compound over multiple trades.
Uh-huh. And reputations vary too.
Definitely. Coinbase, for instance, sometimes gets mentioned as having higher fees—especially if you just use their basic app interface. Though they do have their Advanced Trade platform, which offers much lower, more competitive fees.
So it depends on how you use the platform too.
Exactly. You might see platforms like Crypto.com mentioned with potentially low trading fees—maybe like 0.08% in some cases. But then you need to be really careful about checking their withdrawal fees, which can sometimes be higher.
Gotcha. Always check the whole picture, right?
Kraken Pro, their more advanced platform, also offers lower fees than their standard instant buy/sell.
And then you have players like Binance and Bybit who are generally known for having some of the lowest fees out there.
They’re really competing hard for volume.
Why Ignoring the Fine Print on Fees Could Cost You Big
So homework on fees is absolutely essential. Crucial. Read the fee schedule carefully for any exchange you’re considering.
Okay, we’ve tackled security, we’ve tackled fees, now let’s talk about actually using the thing day-to-day. User experience—UX—and user interface—UI. Yeah, this is huge, especially for beginners.
If the platform is just like confusing or clunky, yeah, it makes everything harder, doesn’t it? Totally. A user-friendly platform is vital when you’re just learning the ropes.
The Best (and Worst) Crypto Apps for Beginners
You want something that feels clean, intuitive, easy to navigate—both on desktop and mobile ideally. Yes. Opening an account, putting money in, making a trade, taking money out—those basic things should feel pretty straightforward.
And I guess there are different styles of interface, like some are simpler than others. Yeah, definitely. You’ll often find exchanges have a sort of simplified retail app that’s aimed squarely at beginners.
And then they’ll have a more, uh, pro or advanced trading interface. That one will have more charts, more tools, different order types—things that experienced traders want. But maybe overwhelming at first.
Exactly. So as a beginner, it usually makes sense to start with a platform whose main interface feels comfortable and doesn’t overwhelm you. You can always explore the advanced stuff later as you learn more. Any examples of platforms known for being easy to start with?
Well, Coinbase is often praised for its user-friendliness, especially its main mobile app. It’s very slick. Although as we mentioned, the fees on that simple interface can be higher.
Right, trade-offs again. Crypto.com’s app is also generally seen as quite beginner friendly. Very easy to get started.
And on the other end, more complex platforms like Binance, just because they offer so much, can feel a bit daunting for a complete newcomer. So many options and features right from the start. Okay.
You might find platforms like Newton mentioned for having a really clean, modern look and feel—quite adaptable. Uh, on the other hand, exchanges like Bit or KCoin, while powerful, are sometimes described as maybe not as intuitive for absolute beginners just due to the complexity of their interfaces. Right, lots of data, lots of options.
Bybit, though, is often highlighted as being quite user-friendly and easy to get the hang of, even with its advanced features. So it’s about finding that sweet spot for your current level. Exactly what feels accessible to you right now.
If They Don’t List Your Favorite Coin, Don’t Bother
Makes perfect sense. Okay, next big thing—what can you actually trade? Coin selection.
Ah yeah, crucial. Obviously, you need to make sure the exchange actually lists the cryptocurrencies you’re interested in buying or selling.
Precisely. I mean, pretty much every exchange will have Bitcoin, Ethereum. Mhm, the big ones.
The usual suspects, right? But if you’re interested in smaller altcoins or maybe, you know, meme coins—Doge, Shiba. Yeah, that kind of thing.
Yeah, or even smaller, newer projects, the selection can vary hugely between exchanges. Okay. And it’s worth noting, sometimes those exchanges that list thousands of obscure altcoins might have stricter KYC rules or they might not be available everywhere geographically—regulatory stuff.
So if I’m really keen on trading, I don’t know, super niche coin X? You absolutely need to check if your chosen exchange actually lists super niche coin X before you sign up and deposit funds. Don’t just assume.
Definitely not. Browse their list of supported assets. See what they offer.
Coinbase, for example, has a decent selection—maybe around 250 tokens mentioned. They do list some smaller caps. Crypto.com generally has more—maybe 350+.
Kraken offers over 240. Then you get into the really big ones for selection like Binance—often over 350—and Bybit, maybe over 500. Wow, 500+.
Gee. Yeah, and then if you really want the widest possible selection—especially for tiny altcoins—you look at platforms like Gate.io or MEXC. They list thousands.
Thousands? Literally. But as mentioned, they often come with strict KYC and might block users from certain regions.
Right. Bit, for users in Canada for instance, offers over 800 coins, which is pretty substantial. And KCoin is popular among experienced traders, partly because it lists so many different coins—over 200 typically.
So check the menu before you order, basically. Exactly. Make sure they serve what you want to eat.
Can You Even Get Your Money In and Out? Fiat Pitfalls Explained
All right, now let’s bridge the gap between crypto and traditional money—fiat currency support. Getting your dollars, euros, pounds in and out—super important. The on-ramps and off-ramps, as they’re called.
If you can’t easily deposit your local currency or withdraw back to your bank account, it’s a major hurdle, isn’t it? It really is, especially for beginners who are likely starting with fiat. You need to check if the exchange supports your local currency—USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, whatever it is.
And the methods too—like bank transfer, cards. Yes. Do they support the payment methods you prefer—bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal or Skril?
And what are the fees for each method? Ah, fees again. They pop up everywhere.
They do. And availability and fees for these fiat methods can vary massively depending on the exchange and your geographical location. So a US user might have different options than someone in Europe or Canada.
Absolutely. Often exchanges based in your own country—your onshore exchanges—are the easiest for fiat on- and off-ramps. Like using a Canadian exchange if you’re in Canada.
Exactly. But for the big global exchanges, direct fiat support can sometimes be a bit patchy, especially for certain major currencies.
Really? Like which ones?
Well, you might find platforms like Binance, Bybit, or OKX have more limited direct deposit options for currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, or JPY sometimes.
But how do people use them then?
A common workaround is to use a local onshore exchange to buy a stablecoin like USDC or USDT using your fiat currency. Good.
And then you transfer that stablecoin over to the bigger global exchange to do your actual trading. Oh, like an extra step.
Yeah, it’s an extra step, but it’s a very common way people access those global platforms if direct fiat isn’t easy.
I gotcha. Which platforms generally have good broad fiat support?
Generally, you’ll find Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Kraken tend to have pretty solid fiat on-ramps for the major currencies we mentioned—USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD.
You’ll see differences in methods and fees, of course. Like Bybit might allow card deposits, but perhaps with higher fees than a bank transfer.
Coinbase is often noted for having a smooth process for linking US bank accounts. And Kraken in Canada?
Yeah, they support Interac e-transfers, which is super popular and convenient for Canadians. Good to know.
So check the fiat options for your specific currency and preferred method.
Think It’s Legal Everywhere? Think Again.
Definitely don’t assume it’ll be easy everywhere. All right, last of our big six key elements—this one feels like it ties everything together. Regulatory compliance and reputation.
Yeah, trust and accountability. It really underpins all the other factors. You want to be using an exchange that’s playing by the rules, right?
Absolutely. Choosing an exchange that complies with the regulations in your country or region is—well, it’s paramount for peace of mind and security. How do you even figure that out?
Look for information on their website about licenses, registrations. Reputable exchanges are usually pretty transparent about where they’re regulated. They also tend to have longer track records.
Red Flags to Watch for in Shady Exchanges
Experience counts. It does. And as we touched on with security, being publicly traded like Coinbase often means they’re subject to stricter financial reporting and regulatory oversight.
Right. And just, you know, research the exchange’s history. What’s their reputation within the crypto community?
Check forums, reviews. See what other users are saying. How long have they been around?
What about those exchanges that seem to operate, well, maybe in regulatory gray areas or have very light KYC? That’s where you need to be extra cautious.
An exchange with no or very minimal KYC might seem convenient upfront—less paperwork, right? But it might mean they aren’t adhering to the same anti-money-laundering or security standards.
It can potentially carry different risks—maybe regarding the safety of your funds or even future access if regulations change. You need to weigh that trade-off.
Is Your Exchange Banned in Your Country?
And some big names might not even be available everywhere. Exactly. Regulatory landscapes are complex and evolving.
Binance, for example, while regulated in many places, has faced scrutiny and isn’t available to users in highly regulated markets like the US or Canada anymore. Coinbase, on the other hand, really emphasizes its status as regulated and insured in the US—being public.
Kraken also highlights being regulated in multiple places, including adapting to specific Canadian rules. Bit is another one noted for being quite regulated.
So regulation varies a lot by exchange and region. Massively. And some exchanges have explicitly pulled out of certain major markets—US, Canada, Japan, South Korea—because of regulatory pressures.
So knowing if an exchange is even allowed to serve you is step one. Pretty fundamental, yes. Understanding the regulatory status and reputation is critical for making an informed choice.
Bonus Round: Proof of Reserves, Copy Trading & Leverage
Okay, that covers the big six—security, fees, UX/UI, coins, fiat, and regulation/reputation. Phew, it’s a lot to consider.
Definitely. Now, we mentioned proof of reserves a few times under security, but it feels important enough to maybe just quickly reiterate.
Yeah, definitely worth highlighting again. Seeing that an exchange provides regular, audited proof of reserves is a really positive sign of transparency. Gives you more confidence they actually have your crypto.
Exactly. It’s becoming more of an industry standard, thankfully. You see major players like Kraken, Bybit, OKX, Bitkit, Kcoin all doing it.
And Coinbase, you said, doesn’t do PoR but has other oversight, right? Being a public US company means they have stringent financial auditing and reporting requirements, which serves a similar—though technically different—transparency function.
Got it. Okay, two other features sometimes mentioned—copy trading. What’s the deal there for a newbie?
Ah, copy trading. So some platforms let you automatically copy the trades of other supposedly more experienced traders. The zone’s easy—maybe too easy.
Well, that’s the catch. It seems easy, but it’s definitely not risk-free. You’re still exposed to market losses.
And the past performance of the trader you’re copying is absolutely no guarantee of future results. Right, they could start losing tomorrow. Exactly.
It could be a learning tool maybe, if you really study why they’re making trades, but you need to go in with eyes wide open and understand the risks. Don’t just blindly follow.
Which exchanges offer that? You see it on platforms like Bybit, Bitget, and some newer ones like Blofin and Batunix mention it too.
Okay, so approach with caution. And the other one—leverage or margin trading?
Oh yeah, leverage. This lets you trade with borrowed money, right?
Yes, magnifies potential profits. Also magnifies potential losses—hugely.
So for beginners, honestly, just avoid it. Seriously, the risk is incredibly high.
It’s so easy to get liquidated and lose your entire deposit—or even more in some cases if you don’t fully understand risk management, liquidation prices, all of it. Stick to spot trading first.
Absolutely. Learn the basics. Trade with your own capital first.
Get comfortable with the market before even thinking about leverage. Many platforms offer it—Binance, Bybit, Kraken, Batunix, Kcoin.
But not everywhere, right? For instance, Coinbase in the US doesn’t offer leverage trading to retail clients due to regulations.
Okay, solid advice. Avoid leverage as a beginner.
Please do.
Final Checklist and the One Question You Must Ask Yourself
All right, so let’s recap. For anyone starting out in crypto trading, these six things are your checklist: security number one, then fees, user experience, coin selection, fiat support, and finally regulation and reputation.
That’s the core framework. And remember, the best exchange isn’t universal—it really depends on your priorities.
Right. What matters most to you? Is it the absolute lowest fees?
Yeah. The easiest possible interface? Access to specific rare coins?
Maximum security? Think about your own needs, your risk tolerance, and what you want to achieve.
And definitely do your own homework based on these points. Don’t just rely on us or anyone else. Explore the platforms yourself.
Yeah, read their documentation. Maybe try out their demo account if they have one. Good idea.
Don’t Miss the Easy Way to Save on Fees
And one final reminder before we wrap—don’t forget about those potential fee savings using referral links. Like our deal code ones can genuinely save you up to 20% on trading fees.
Which, as we said, really adds up. Check the show notes or our website for those.
Definitely do that. Okay, so as you go off and start your research—
Yeah, maybe a final thought to leave people with. Which one of these six elements—security, fees, usability, coins, fiat, regulation—resonates most strongly with you right now?
Thinking about your own comfort level with risk, your goals—which one feels like the cornerstone for your decision?
That’s a great way to frame it. Because choosing that first exchange is really just the first step, isn’t it?
It’s the foundation for potentially exploring this whole fascinating crypto space much more deeply. Thanks for watching all the way through.
Want Your Crypto Project Featured? Here’s How
If you’d like to have your crypto project featured as a high-impact YouTube podcast like this one, I’m now offering a flat fee for a video spot—much like the one we just did here. Where we do a full-featured podcast-style video that really digs into the mission, your tech, the real reasons that somebody might want to get involved with your project.
Sponsors – Video Marketing Clients
So we’ll take your official website, all your white papers and wikis, all of your information about your project, your YouTube videos, any AMAs that you’ve done, any community commentary that you want to highlight, any Reddit threads, any press releases, any influencer takes on your project—anything that you think that should be fed into our AI research system.
Then we’ll create high-converting podcast-style video and we can make custom characters inside your video, so that we’re not reusing the ones that I have in mine. But we’ll talk about what your project solves, what makes it unique, how it fits into cryptospheres in general.
So you can expect to have a podcast-style conversational video that’s a minimum of 6 minutes in length. It’ll be a narration built from deep research on your product—not just some generic talking points.
The video will be posted on my Bitcoin Trading channel with 7,000 subscribers. It’ll be posted on my publication over on Medium and over onto my Discord community as well.
If you’d like to have a sponsored video created, head over to DigitalCurrencyTraders. Click on the sponsor section and the top post along the top will explain this podcast-style video and it’ll give you a place where you can contact me over on LinkedIn.
Thanks for watching. Stay safe everyone. Here’s to your success.